Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Holiday Train Show
Posted in Exhibitions, Holiday Train Show on November 14 2012, by Matt Newman
So the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is buzzing. Really buzzing–with the sound of Paul Busse and his team hurrying about, setting the scene for this Saturday’s opening of the Holiday Train Show; the rush of miniature trains barreling along tiny tracks; and, now and then, the familiar noise of appreciation when an NYBG staffer sees a new model for the first time. After over 20 years as one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions, this exhibition still makes us a little giddy.
As it so happens, Ivo just walked in with a camera full of Holiday Train Show setup shots, and we see absolutely no sane reason to continue sitting on them–especially when giving you a sneak peek would be much more fun. So without further ado, have a look at some of our favorite miniatures, both classic and new, and see if you can put a name to the facades.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on January 25 2012, by Matt Newman
Kickstarting the imaginations of children is the kind of gratification you love to run into here at the NYBG. Some exhibitions–the Holiday Train Show, for one–just happen to be especially good at creating the perfect incubator for young creativity. And with stories like these, it’s always a perk to follow up.
Back in December we received a suggestion for our “20 Days” series from an administrator at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, explaining just how excited the kids were by their visit to the Garden in 2010. They were so ecstatic, in fact, that the club decided to give its own train show a try. For 2011’s traditional visit, the kids put their patience and skill together in recreating the Greenwich landmarks they grew up with. And this was no half-baked homework assignment: they even set up their own running model train.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on January 13 2012, by Matt Newman
There are three days between now and the end of the 20th Holiday Train Show. Hands in the Conservatory are already preparing to pull down the tracks and gently store away the trains and miniatures, and soon the space will host fresh events and exhibitions of a more tropical nature. It’s something of a bittersweet moment for those of us here at the NYBG; it wasn’t that long ago that Paul Busse’s team was rolling out the first of the city’s bridges.
Since we unveiled the display in early November, thousands of people–kids and adults, first-timers and yearly regulars–have passed through the glass doors of the dome to view our sparkling homage to the city and the season. And while we’re sad to see the delicate landmarks disappear until next fall, we’re making the most of the time we still have to show the holidays the proper bon voyage.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 23 2011, by Matt Newman
Can you believe the Christmas weekend is already at our doorstep, and Hanukkah well underway? Before you can bat an eye, you’ll be up to your ears in New Year’s party planning while trying to decide on your resolutions for 2012 (as shaky as they always turn out in practice).
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! If you’re in search of a way to entertain the in-laws and maybe a place to knock out those last few items on your all-too-lengthy gift list (nothing to be ashamed of; I’m so far behind on my shopping I’m thinking of giving everyone scratch-offs), there are still a few chances to catch the Holiday Train Show before Sunday.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 17 2011, by Matt Newman
“I was so nervous to bring him because he was weak and worn out, but he was so thrilled by the show that I think he forgot about his health issues.”
…
For the past 20 days, our visitors have shared their fondest memories from 20 years of the Holiday Train Show–some of them touching, some comical, and every one of them cherished. Each day Plant Talk has featured a new story, which you can see the last of after the jump, along with a feature on one of the many replica New York City landmarks on display in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory–the Guggenheim Museum, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building and more.
As a bonus, read on to find out how you can win a Family Four-Pack of Holiday Train Show tickets for yourself! Today is your last chance!
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 16 2011, by Matt Newman
You might be sitting at home right now, wondering if this will be the year you finally visit the Holiday Train Show. We know what you’re thinking, too: “It’s just for keeping the kids busy,” or “What’s the point in going if I don’t have relatives to bring along?” But we understand that not everyone’s out to snap family photos in matching holiday sweaters and Santa hats. Regardless of how old (or young) you are, or whether you’re a tourist (or a native), The New York Botanical Garden has something worth seeing this holiday season.
Our Holiday Train Show is the perfect chance for everyone to get out and make new memories.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 16 2011, by Matt Newman
“And so, with a slight hesitation, I turned over my trusty Canon to the tiny hands of my nephew.”
…
From now until December 17, our visitors will be sharing their fondest memories from 20 years of the Holiday Train Show–some of them touching, some comical, and every one of them cherished. Come back to Plant Talk each day for a new story, which you can see after the jump along with a feature on one of the many replica New York City landmarks on display in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory–the Guggenheim Museum, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building and more.
As a bonus, read on to find out how you can win a Family Four-Pack of Holiday Train Show tickets for yourself!
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Posted in Around the Garden, Holiday Train Show, Photography on December 16 2011, by Matt Newman
It might take you a few seconds to figure out what’s going on in this picture. It’s okay–it took me a little while, too. Can you make out the piece of the puzzle that gives it away?
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 15 2011, by Matt Newman
Off in the woods of Kentucky you might find a fallen branch; nearby, a pine cone and a few scales of bark strewn about by the wind. To most passersby this forest fodder is hardly a treasure worth any attention. But to Paul Busse, the creative genius behind The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, these bits make up the bricks and mortar of his craft.
In Busse’s workshop, a few twigs lashed together might hold the promise of a doric column, while a handful of dry leaves in just the right arrangement becomes a row of roofing shingles. Why not mold a balcony from a mushroom? Every odd and end has the potential to be a part of a miniature masterpiece, bringing new shapes and textures to a familiar form.
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Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 15 2011, by Matt Newman
“
When we crossed the George Washington Bridge out of New Jersey, I got excited. ‘We’re going to the Train Show,’ I mused to myself.”
…
From now until December 17, our visitors will be sharing their fondest memories from 20 years of the Holiday Train Show–some of them touching, some comical, and every one of them cherished. Come back to Plant Talk each day for a new story, which you can see after the jump along with a feature on one of the many replica New York City landmarks on display in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory–the Guggenheim Museum, Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building and more.
As a bonus, read on to find out how you can win a Family Four-Pack of Holiday Train Show tickets for yourself!
Read More
So the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is buzzing. Really buzzing–with the sound of Paul Busse and his team hurrying about, setting the scene for this Saturday’s opening of the Holiday Train Show; the rush of miniature trains barreling along tiny tracks; and, now and then, the familiar noise of appreciation when an NYBG staffer sees a new model for the first time. After over 20 years as one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions, this exhibition still makes us a little giddy.
